OT: NLL to broadcast games on YouTube

This is certainly groundbreaking! I wonder if any other leagues will follow suit.

Quote:

The National Lacrosse League, in partnership with The Lacrosse Network, has announced that the league’s online game broadcasts will air on YouTube during the 2013 season.

The entire 2013 NLL season will be broadcast worldwide and live on YouTube (subject to territorial blackout restrictions for some games). NLL’s YouTube broadcasts will begin with the season opener on January 5 when the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks take on the Washington Stealth.

“We’re excited to announce our dynamic partnership with The Lacrosse Network to bring NLL games to YouTube,” said NLL Commissioner George Daniel. “YouTube's worldwide audience will be a great platform for us to showcase exciting NLL action.”

“This is another win for sports fans around the world. By adding its live games to YouTube, the NLL will put its sport in front of millions, connecting and building deep relationships with its fans. We’re thrilled to help NLL grow and prosper,” said Frank Golding, YouTube Director of Sport for North America.

“The Lacrosse Network is proud to present NLL games on a platform that is international, accessible and interactive,” said The Lacrosse Network President Samir Chaudry. “Our partnership with the NLL is a major step forward in our mission to grow the game of lacrosse through the power of media.”

NLL games on YouTube will be available for mobile viewing live and on demand via iPad, iPhone and most Android devices.

I don't really see this as anything new. The NLL has had online streaming of games for awhile now. The only games that were not on the online streaming were the games shown on TSN or their American partner.

Quite honestly, I don't see this as a big deal. The NLL should really have been trying to capitalize on the lack of the NHL by getting games on national television. During the last lockout, the NLL All-Star game and the NLL Champions Cup Final were on NBC nationally.

I played it in high school (albeit in the US Midwest, not exactly a hotbed), and it was a very fun sport to play. Not sure it is the greatest spectator sport though, granted you get some pretty goals almost every game.